As many as 340 people are living in slavery in this country, it has been claimed.

The report into exploitation around the world found the majority of those identified here are women trafficked for sexual exploitation.

The Global Slavery Index, produced by anti-slavery group, the Walk Free Foundation, shows Ireland was highlighted as a destination for people trafficked by criminals.

The study said children were being exploited here in sweatshops, in restaurants, and that some were forced by gangs to beg and steal.

The document added dozens of men and women are treated like slaves in certain industries including construction, catering, and domestic work.

However, most of the victims of slavery were found to be women in the sex industry who are controlled by gangs.

The Immigrant Council of Ireland said yesterday the report highlighted the need for a change in legislation.

It called for the purchase of sex to be made illegal.

Chief executive Denise Charlton said: “The Global Index again confirms the most prevalent form of trafficking in Ireland is for sexual exploitation, with the victims mostly women and girls.

“The findings underline the urgent need for a response to end this modern-day slavery and together with the 68 Irish organisations which make up the Turn Off the Red Light Campaign we believe that should involve the targeting of demand – in other words the buyers of sex whose actions are fuelling trafficking.

“We have been greatly encouraged that the Oireachtas Justice Committee has already unanimously backed the introduction of such laws and today we are seeking to have those recommendations acted upon.”

Meanwhile, the global report noted Ireland had one of the best and lowest ratings for the prevalence of slavery.

The Republic came in joint 160th position with the UK out of 162 countries for the number of slaves in proportion to the population.

However, the study’s authors still recommended the Government appoint a National anti-trafficking Rapporteur.

Denise Charlton commented: “The Council also welcomes the call from the Global Slavery Index for the appointment of a National Rapporteur to combat trafficking.

“We have been seeking such an appointment and urge the Government to also act on this.”

The Index, which is the first of its kind, found close to 30 million people are living in slavery worldwide with India home to nearly half of them.

China has the second highest number of slaves with nearly three million of its inhabitants being exploited every year.

However, it was the north-western African country of Mauritania which had the worst proportional figure with around 4% of the population enslaved.